[An interview room. Non-descript]
[FRED and EZRA are facing one another.]
-Did you think that then?
-No
-What were you thinking?
-I don’t think I was thinking of anything
-Yes
-I guess I wanted to hurt someone
-Is that something you’ve thought of for a long time?
-I can’t remember
-Did you get what you wanted?
-Jim was right. It doesn’t help
-Who’s Jim?
-He said it wouldn’t be worth it. That nothing could numb the pain
-Is Jim a friend of yours?
-No, he was someone I met on the street.
-Did you calculate your actions?
-No, I acted on impulse
-How do you feel now?
-A bit… I feel quiet
-Could you elaborate? Why do you feel quiet?
-I feel calm
-Could you stay here for a few moments? I need to step out
[FRED stands from his chair and heads towards the door.]
-It’s not like I can go anywhere
[EZRA places his hands on the table. They are handcuffed. FRED briefly looks at them before acknowledging.]
-No
[FRED turns to leave.]
-Could you pass me the cup of water?
[FRED waits a moment, before returning to the table and pushing the cup towards EZRA. The straw is slightly out of reach.]
-Here
-And the straw?
[FRED sighs.]
-Please could you let me have a sip of water?
[FRED leaves.]
[EZRA jumps his chair towards the table and the cup. His feet are also bound. He attempts to sip the water, but ends up knocking it over on himself.]
[A brief pause.]
ENDS
PHILIPPA MANNION 